Tasmanian Government aiming to turn state into must-visit destination for business conferences

Excitement is bubbling away over what the new year holds for the events industry in Tasmania, despite the gap created by Dark Mofo. The incentive on offer.

Elevate Catering owner Hussein Tas and Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Simon McGuire.

Excitement is bubbling away over what the new year holds for the events industry.

Hussein Tas is the owner of Elevate Catering, the company that provides food services at Devonport’s paranaple convention centre.

“The last 12 months have certainly been busy, and they’ve been a challenge for us coming out of a rough period of hospitality,” Mr Tas said.

“All the big events that are coming is very exciting for the future, so I’m very excited to take on this challenge.”

Mr Tas said he and his team had to juggle multiple events often.

“It wouldn’t be uncommon to have five or six events on all at the same time,” he said.

“On top of that there’s also the Market Square and the art centre next door, so it’s a little precinct with lots of little rooms that could be used at the same time.”

Times are only expected to get busier after the Tasmanian government set its sights on enticing more businesses to hold conferences in the state setting up a potential multimillion dollar money spinner.

Elevate Catering owner Hussein Tas and Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Simon McGuire.

Speaking at the paranaple Convention Centre in Devonport on Tuesday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff hoped to host more business events and conferences in the state.

It comes as one of Tasmania’s biggest tourism drawcards, Dark Mofo, is taking a break in 2024, leaving a gaping events hole for the state during the winter months.

“Every single person that comes to Tasmania spends, on average, $1347 a day,” Mr Rockliff said.

“The great thing as well, is that it contributes some $200 million to our economy when it comes to business events in Tasmania.

“The other great thing about business events that come to Tasmania is that 25 per cent of people that attend corporate or business events in Tasmania bring a family member or loved one as well, and almost 90 per cent of people that attend business events in Tasmania are likely to come back over the course of the next three years.”

Mr Rockliff said the next 12 months would be busy in terms of business events in Tasmania.

“We’ve already got 67 major events that a locked in for Business Tasmania; there are more on the way that are yet to be finalised.

“But so far around 7700 people will be visiting our shores between April and October this year to not only enjoy the corporate hospitality but also taste and appreciate Tasmania’s finest food and beverages as well.”